The number 18 has a history of being worn by some pretty good Pirates; from Bill Virdon and Matty Alou through Andy Van Slyke and Neil Walker. In 1996 it was donned by an exciting young catcher who would make three All-Star teams and was one of the best players in the league from 1998 to 2000 (OPS+ of 131, 136 and 124): Jason Kendall.

Young Jason Kendall was a lot of fun to watch until a thumb injury in 2001 sapped him of his power and he began his descent to the slap hitter we’ve known for the last decade. The trade to Oakland came just before he fell completely off of the table as a hitter, so good timing there. Unfortunately they didn’t get much in return, as was the norm at the time.

*I tried to find out what happened in the Bayliss trade at the end there but teamofficials were unable to find or confirm any information on who the PTBNL turned out to be or if the transaction was settled with cash. Neal Huntington should call Alex Anthopoulos and demand a player.